What is the proper technique for cleaning the eye from inner to outer canthus?

• A. Wipe from outer canthus toward the inner canthus.
• B. Wipe in circles around the eye.
• C. Wipe from the inner canthus outward toward the outer canthus with a clean portion of cloth for each stroke.
• D. Use the same cloth for all strokes.

Answer: (C)

Cleaning motion should be directed away from the nose, starting at the inner canthus and moving toward the outer canthus, using a clean portion of cloth for each stroke. This approach keeps debris and potential pathogens moving away from the tear ducts and eye, reducing the chance of recontaminating the eye. Using a fresh cloth for every stroke prevents transferring dirt from one area to another. Wiping from the outer toward the inner could drag contaminants toward the inner corner and tear ducts, while circling the eye distributes dirt rather than directing it out. Reusing the same cloth for multiple strokes risks spreading germs across the eye.